In a groundbreaking report, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), in collaboration with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), delves into the intricate relationships between non-state armed groups and illicit economies in West Africa. The December 2024 publication examines how these groups derive revenue, operational resources, and legitimacy from illicit activities, particularly in areas where state governance is weak or absent.
The report identifies two key economic activities—artisanal gold mining and resource extraction in national parks—as central to understanding armed groups’ operations in the region. In Burkina Faso, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has strategically taxed artisanal miners in exchange for protection and non-interference. This approach has allowed JNIM to not only gain substantial revenue but also establish a level of local acceptance. By framing their role as defenders of community rights against state neglect or corporate interests, JNIM strengthens its foothold in these regions.
Similarly, in Nigeria, armed bandits have transitioned from violent cattle rustling to taxing mining activities in Zamfara and Kaduna states. This shift has reduced violence in some areas and fostered limited cooperation with local communities, granting these groups a semblance of legitimacy. The report notes that in both cases, state policies that criminalize informal livelihoods, such as artisanal mining and logging, often exacerbate tensions.
ACLED’s findings emphasize the concept of a “legitimacy trade-off,” where armed groups gain local acceptance as alternative governance providers, while state legitimacy deteriorates due to perceptions of oppression and neglect. This dynamic complicates efforts to dismantle illicit economies, as such actions may inadvertently harm vulnerable communities reliant on these activities for survival.
The report calls on policymakers to adopt nuanced approaches that address the socio-economic needs of affected communities while disrupting the financial lifelines of armed groups. It also highlights the urgent need for coordinated regional efforts to tackle the underlying drivers of conflict and economic marginalization.
The insights from this report provide a critical framework for understanding the persistence of armed conflicts in West Africa and the socio-political strategies employed by non-state actors to consolidate their power. As ACLED warns, addressing these challenges requires balancing security interventions with community-centric development policies to prevent further destabilization of the region.